American Red Cross National Headquarters
The American Red Cross National Headquarters showcases its history with a collection of historic Red Cross artifacts and exhibits
The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by nurse Clara Barton, but its headquarters was not built until 1915. The historic American Red Cross National Headquarters building was constructed both as headquarters for the organization and as a memorial to the women on both sides of the Civil War who assisted the wounded soldiers. Today’s Red Cross is devoted to disaster relief and other emergency services.
As you enter the building, the marble entry hall is understated but impressive. The tour begins with a brief history of the founding of the Red Cross and a look at their current special exhibit. The busts of Faith, Hope, and Charity watch over all who climb the grand staircase. Upstairs, display cases contain letters, medical supplies, and other items used by Clara Barton and other Red Cross nurses in the Civil War, World War I, and other notable points in history.
Clara Barton’s independence and direct communication style put her at odds with the board of the American Red Cross. She was unfortunately pushed out of the organization before the American Red Cross National Headquarters was built. Her diary, which is on display, includes descriptions of her interactions with her critics and her eventual resignation from the Red Cross. Looking at her handwritten words makes you wonder if she would have fared differently today or if she would face the same difficulties as many modern women entrepreneurs.
The highlight of the tour is the three Tiffany stained glass windows in the Board of Governors Hall. They are the largest Tiffany windows created for a non-religious building. The left window is based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem Santa Filomena, which describes the work of Florence Nightingale, the founder of nursing. The center window shows a wounded knight receiving aid in battle. The right window (shown below) depicts a scene from the poem The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser. This poem includes a character called the Redcross Knight. You can learn more about the Red Cross’s Tiffany windows on their website.
The last stop on the tour is a charming quilt made by middle school students in 1918 as part of a fundraiser. It includes the signatures of famous people, including Theodore Roosevelt and Helen Keller. I love the little drawing by illustrator Palmer Cox near the bottom. On the opposite side of the hallway is a second quilt made by the same school several decades later.
Tours of the historic American Red Cross National Headquarters building are only offered at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. Advance reservations are required and can be made by emailing tours@redcross.org. Although this tour is off the beaten path and grants access to some unique artifacts related to the history of the American Red Cross, there are very few original items on display and the quality of the tour guides varies. I don’t recommend adventurers take time off work to visit unless you have a particular interest in the Red Cross.
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Address
430 17th Street NW
Metro Station
- Farragut North (RD)
- Farragut West (OR, BL, SV)
Accessibility
The accessible entrance to the American Red Cross National Headquarters is on the E Street side of the building. There are elevators to all the public floors, and the tour is very wheelchair friendly. The gardens are also accessible.
Cost
Free
Advance registration is required for tours
Hours
Guided tours are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Length of Adventure
1 hour
